NCAA WATER POLO CHAMPIONSHIPS : Top-Ranked Stanford Meets USC in Final

Stanford Coach Dante Dettamanti knew it was going to be a defensive struggle.

Fortunately for him, it was the Cardinal defense that prevailed in a 9-5 victory over UCLA in the semifinals of the NCAA water polo tournament Saturday night at Belmont Plaza Pool in Long Beach.

The defending champion Cardinal (26-1) will face USC (19-6) in today’s final at 4:30 p.m. Stanford defeated the Trojans, 11-9, in last year’s final.

The second-seeded Trojans rallied from a 3-1 deficit to defeat Cal, 11-6. Senior Drew Netherton scored two goals for the Trojans, who are looking for their first national title in the sport after finishing second three times and third four times.

Goaltender Jack Bowen made 10 saves, several from close range, to lead top-seeded Stanford.

He had six saves in the second quarter, helping Stanford to a 7-2 halftime lead.

“I feel our defense won the game for us,” Dettamanti said. “We were averaging 12 to 13 goals a game, so we knew we had to play good defense.

“The second quarter was the turning point. Jack made some great saves and we were able to outscore them, 4-1.”

It was the Bruins’ fifth loss to Stanford this season.

“We needed to snap back into it offensively after the first quarter,” UCLA Coach Guy Baker said. “Bowen had some great saves.”

Jeremy Laster had five steals during the second quarter to contain the Bruins’ offense.

Stanford led after three quarters, 9-3. Wolf Wigo, Dan Hancock and Josh Leachman each had two goals for the Cardinal.

“It’s my job to play off what the defense is giving me,” Bowen said. “Allowing five goals is a credit to our defense. Ever since the Mountain Pacific (tournament) two weeks ago, it has been clicking. I guess it’s a good time to click.”

Steve Covic scored two goals and goalie Matt Swanson made 10 saves for UCLA (18-7).